Morning Devotional

July 4, 2004

"Freedom"

by Don Emmitte

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Jesus said to the people who believed in him, "You are truly my disciples if you keep obeying my teachings. And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." "But we are descendants of Abraham," they said. "We have never been slaves to anyone on earth. What do you mean, `set free'?" Jesus replied, "I assure you that everyone who sins is a slave of sin. A slave is not a permanent member of the family, but a son is part of the family forever. So if the Son sets you free, you will indeed be free. (John 8:36 NLT).

Happy Independence Day! For the Christian citizen of the United States that has a dual meaning. We are free in our nation and we are free in Christ. Those two truths are tightly wound together historically and practically.

There is no freedom like the freedom found in the grace of Jesus Christ. We are proud of our freedom. There are some who would have the government stop our religious expression, they have tried to say something like "separation of church and state". I believe they are very misguided about what our founding fathers intended through the constitution.

French writer Alexis de Tocqueville, after visiting America in 1831, said, "I sought for the greatness of the United States in her commodious harbors, her ample rivers, her fertile fields, and boundless forests--and it was not there. I sought for it in her rich mines, her vast world commerce, her public school system, and in her institutions of higher learning--and it was not there. I looked for it in her democratic Congress and her matchless Constitution--and it was not there. Not until I went into the churches of America and heard her pulpits flame with righteousness did I understand the secret of her genius and power. America is great because America is good, and if America ever ceases to be good, America will cease to be great!" I wonder how close we are to losing our greatness?

Thank God that we have the freedom we do. This devotional is read in countries where it is really not legal. There are readers who take a risk by bringing it into their homes. I have had young people write me to tell me they "got into trouble" with their parents for reading "such trash". Governments can and sometimes do, take away our legal rights, but they cannot touch the decree, which was issued on Calvary by our Savior!

Jesus died so that you and I who believe might be free! Just as thousands have paid the ultimate sacrifice for the freedom of this country, Jesus paid the ultimate sacrifice for the freedom of our souls. He took on the sin of the world so that we, who are sinners, might become right with a Holy God. Through Christ we gain access into the Kingdom of God. We are co-heirs with Christ. We have the freedom only grace can bring. The world can throw its curves of life all its wants to, but sin will no longer be my master.  Because if the Son has set me free, and He has, then I am free indeed! Be free my friend. Be free.